Town to contact federal government regarding former Boblo dock

The town will be reaching out to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans as it relates to the former Boblo dock just south of the Blue Haven Motel.

The town will send correspondence to the department over the condition of the dock with that correspondence to include photographs of its current condition. Councillor Diane Pouget also ensured the federal department be invited to town to see it and meet with town officials on the matter.

“It is an eyesore,” said Pouget.

Pouget said she has received numerous complaints about it from citizens and there were concerns when the high winds blew through town last week that debris could blow off into the Detroit River. She said there is a chance the federal government may not even know about the issues.

The current state of the former Boblo ferry dock is of concern to town council. The town will reach out to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to explain the issues the town has with the dock.

“It is even possible that the Department of Fisheries and Oceans are not even aware how fast it’s eroding,” said Pouget.

Councillor Leo Meloche wondered if the dock was landlocked as Malden Properties Inc. owns the land leading up to the dock but director of planning, development and legislative services Mark Galvin told council that the motion to contact the federal government was a good first step in the process. He said they might not be aware of the structure and its condition.

Pouget said the parks committee has a number of ideas for the dock and what it could be used for with Councillor Rick Fryer adding it could be a lookout onto the river or a good fishing spot.

CAO John Miceli believed the motion could lead to some dialogue with the federal government and acknowledged it is a “two pronged” process as Malden Properties Inc. would also have to be involved.

Councillor Joan Courtney said the town “shouldn’t have to chase” the federal government.

“It’s their property and they should know what condition their properties are in,” said Courtney.